Commission approves two-story office building at 1741 Plum Lane

The Redlands Planning Commission voted May 28 to approve Commission Review & Approval No. 966, a proposal for a two-story, approximately 16,768-square-foot office building at 1741 Plum Lane.

Planner Jasmine Serrato presented the project and the socioeconomic cost–benefit study, which estimated annual revenue of $21,388 against annual costs of $11,015 (a positive cost-benefit ratio of 1.94). The proposal includes a surface parking area and a subterranean garage to meet a total of 75 parking spaces required by the specific plan; staff noted the project’s landscaping would exceed minimum requirements.

Architect Alura Aguilera described design details and materials that evoke Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, including tile roofing with random mortar packing, a landscaped interior courtyard and decorative accents. “We plan for a heavy mortar packing and we'd like variation in that ... so we'll have Ooster tiles on the edges and ridges, random mortar packing,” Aguilera said.

Commissioner comments were complimentary on the design and staff recommended adoption of Resolution No. 1673 to approve CR&A No. 966 with conditions of approval. A motion to approve the resolution was made and carried by voice vote with no public opposition at the hearing.

Next steps: staff will forward the approved project and conditions for any subsequent ministerial or building-permit review and ensure required conditions are satisfied prior to permits being issued.